Eastleigh - Gerry Louis Review

The initial plan was to visit the Fareham branch, I even printed a map for my boss to follow but advised to go to Eastleigh as it was on the way back to London so GPSd and went there instead.

Located within the Swan Centre, the car park was £1.30 per hour. Got there at 5pm, but I recommend using the correct change because my boss put in £2.00, she didn't get any change back, and it still only gave us one hour. I said that would be enough time if this branch is any good as 45 minutes all inclusive of waiting and eating time is the standard though half an hour is better. My boss's second ever Nando's as her first time was not great, I hoped it didn't let us down.

As you exit the swan centre car park, immediately to the right there are steps to go up into the restaurant area. Did have to ask a passerby if the Nando's was up there to which he replied yes. Asking if he had visited and how was it, all good reviews which was reassuring. Pass harvesters and frankie and benny's, the Nando's is at the zenith next to the Vue cinema, sitting atop an Anytime Fitness gym.. I think plenty of 'cheeky Nando's' have been had after a gym session. It looks small from the outside but is bigger inside, someone came to greet and show us a table within a few seconds.

My usual order of half chicken mango and lime with garlic bread and peri chips, I knew it would go on expenses but I didn't want to take advantage. My boss tried the mango and lime for a quarter chicken, chips and coleslaw and even the mango quencher which she said really recommended. They both arrived within ten minutes piping hot. My plate was filled up which was good to see not a stingy branch but they didn't have enough bottle sauces of lemon and herb at the ready. On asking a Nandoca he only returned with a plastic takeaway thing with the sauce. A pair of blokes at a table nearby had the bottle but he didn't want to get it for me. The other reason I gave a 4/5 is because they came over to my table to ask how the food was, despite me removing the stick from its container, and he stretched his arm over my food to get it. This is the only thing I absolutely hate about Nando's.

Good portion size, hot food and a clean restaurant. It is separated into two sections, the first on a level with the grilling station and counter to the right of the door, tables in the middle and the sauce station at the back. This leads up into a higher level with more tables for four and access to the toilets. My boss didn't want me getting caught taking pictures in the toilet so I refrained from doing so. There is a large framed picture outside of the toilets but the inside was nothing special. I would go there again as it was easy to get to but Fareham is next on the list when in that area.